The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) is Australia's national transport safety investigator. The ATSB's function is to improve safety and public confidence in the aviation, marine and rail modes of transport. The ATSB is Australia's prime agency for the independent investigation of civil aviation, rail and maritime accidents, incidents and safety deficiencies.

REPCON

The concern was regarding the safety of overhead lockers in the Boeing 767 fleet.

Industry / Operation affected

Aviation: Air transport

Concern subject type

Aviation: Cabin safety

Reporter's concern

The reporter expressed a safety concern regarding the overhead lockers in the Boeing 767 fleet.

The reporter stated that he has been on a number of flights in B767's, where the lockers have opened either on take-off, during the approach or landing. This will sometimes be due to overly full lockers but often this is due to a firm landing or turbulence.

The reporter asks if this is due to cabin crew not enforcing carry-on baggage limits, a lack of maintenance or older locks not being replaced when they are no longer secure.

Operator's response (Operator 1)

We thank the reporter for raising their concern. A review of our database shows that since 1 January 2012, there have been 14 reported occurrences of lockers opening during take-off, approach or landing on the fleet in question. For other Fleets there have been just 4 reported occurrences. While there is a difference in the number or reported occurrences, the rate of occurrence is very low on all Fleets.

The reporter suggests that the occurrences may be due to a range of factors including carry-on baggage limits or a lack of maintenance. Carry-on baggage limits are a focus of ours with a recent trial conducted in Brisbane looking at the issue and we are working on a long-term solution to addressing any issues with carry-on baggage. Equally, in addition to scheduled maintenance, any time a fault is logged by Flight or Cabin Crew it is reviewed by an Engineer and actioned appropriately, including overhead lockers. There are also no identified defects with the locker latch mechanisms on the Fleet.

In summary, we have reviewed the report and do not believe there is an issue in relation overhead lockers in the Fleet but thank the reporter for their concern.

Regulator's response (Regulator 1)

CASA has reviewed the REPCON and is satisfied with the operator's response. The operator has appropriate safety reporting processes in place and CASA recommends that incidents continue to be reported through the operator's safety management system.